NFL Lines and Picks: Week 6, 2016

Hail To The District writer Dash Kannan provides his picks and predictions for each game on the Week 6 slate of the 2016 NFL season.

It’s already Week 6 and I’ll just gloss over my 3-10 record last week. I’m on pace to be the Browns… fml. Here are the Week 6 picks, to help my reputation go down further in flames.

(Picks in bold)

Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers (+3)

Regardless of whether Paxton Lynch starts ahead of Trevor Siemian, the Chargers will find a way to blow this game in the fourth quarter if it’s close. Mike McCoy is actually a pretty decent coach. I think he’s just dealing with growing pains of a team that has not been in the playoffs for a while, and has had to play in close games and does not know how to win yet.

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins (-2.5)

In what seemed impossible less than a month ago, the Redskins could be playing for first place on Sunday against the 3-1 Eagles. Three straight wins has changed the trajectory of the season in the nation’s capital, and with his former team visiting, expect Desean Jackson to get back on track with Kirk Cousins this week.

Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots (-9)

The Bengals were destroyed by the Cowboys last week, and while I don’t think this Bengals team is that bad, this game has a chance to get out of hand (especially with the volatile personalities on Cincinnati’s roster). Take the Bengals to come through with the backdoor cover.

Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants (-3)

Even after spending $200 million on their defense, the Giants can’t seem to stop anyone when it matters. They got zero pressure on Aaron Rodgers, and while the Ravens’ offensive line is nothing like Green Bay’s (even the Redskins’ awful front seven got to Flacco last week), Flacco will have enough time to dissect that secondary with Marty Morhinweg taking over playcalling duties from the recently terminated Marc Trestman.

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-3)

I’m going with the notion that Cam Newton will play this week. However, if Derek Anderson starts again, expect Carolina’s offensive struggles to continue, and the suddenly porous defensive outings that Carolina has produced to continue as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins (+7.5)

Miami’s defense is horrendous… along with the rest of their team. The Ryan Tannehill experiment needs to end yesterday. I don’t think the Steelers are going to stop ’til they put up 40 this week, especially considering Tennessee just put up 30 on the Dolphins.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears (-2.5)

Brian Hoyer has the Bears’ offense humming along, and it looks like Jay Cutler isn’t going to get his job back. Look for the Bears to get their second win of the year, with the Jaguars in freefall mode and Gus Bradley getting ever so closer to getting his pink slip.

San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills (-8)

Do I expect the 49ers to win this game? No. The Bills are playing damn good football, and it’s not a coincidence they are doing this with Sammy Watkins sidelined. But Colin Kaepernick should give San Francisco a jolt. He can’t possibly be worse than Blaine “three-and-out” Gabbert.

Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (-3.5)

The Rams still suck and Jeff Fisher’s inexplicable coaching cost the Rams a chance to win against Buffalo. I’LL CONTINUE TO PICK AGAINST THE RAMS ‘TIL I DIE.

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans (-7)

Bringing Art Briles to supervise a practice is not going make the Browns a sudden offensive juggernaut. Nor is it going to help them win a game. Tennessee wins this game going away.

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders (Pick ‘Em)

The Raiders are in rare form with balls-to-the-wall Jack Del Rio pulling out every stop he can; 4th and 1, 4th and 5, 4th and 30, onside kick… HE’S GOING FOR IT.

Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5)

This is an especially large spread that the Falcons are underdogs in, which makes me believe that Vegas is not all in yet on Atlanta. Neither am I.

Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers (-4.5)

This is an important game for Dallas. If Dak Prescott can this game, then you can say bye-bye to Tony Romo ever starting a game again for the ugly stars. But Prescott won’t win, and Aaron Rodgers keeps his team humming along.

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (-3)

I have no idea why the Texans are favored even if it is by 3 points. Brock Osweiler may be one of the worst signings of all time — looking like Scott Mitchell — early in Houston tenure. Despite the Colts’ problems, Andrew Luck should be able to win this game.